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Countertop tips

I want to tile my kitchen countertop. Will it be durable?
Tub tips
We have recently renovated our 1912 home and have run into a problem with the main bathroom. We decided to put the tub with shower under the stairs to maximize space. Now we realize that we need to put in a shower curtain or doors but don't know what to do because of the slope of the ceiling. Any suggestions would be a big help.

Your turn-of-the-century home sounds charming. I'd definitely go for a shower curtain rather than doors; it's much more in keeping with the style of your home. You may want to consider making a custom-fitted curtain and liner that follows the ceiling's slope and hang it using cup hooks.

Period wallpaper
I live in an older home and would like to restore the house to its original style. Where do I go for information such as wallpaper styles, fabrics and hardware?

I have a great online resource for you to check out (and it's Canadian, too!) – Charles Rupert. Search by the specific period that fits your home's style or choose the Traditional Home link, which lists available fabrics, wallpaper and more, to suit anything built from 1740 to 1960.

Condo colours
I'm having a horrible time picking colours for my condo. Any suggestions?

Staring at a wall of thousands of paint samples can be daunting. Unless you can afford a decorator's advice, try the new Debbie Travis paint collection, designed to make choosing colour as easy as possible. Pick one of Debbie's four "moods" for your space, then choose one of the pre-selected colour palettes, and you're done! Find it at Canadian Tire this spring.

Countertop tips

Tiles work wonderfully for a backsplash, but not as well for a countertop. While you can find durable and stylish tiles, the problem is the grout, which may turn grey over time and trap all sorts of nasty bacteria. Instead, look for a laminate counter at your local home reno store or IKEA – it has well-priced options for the budget renovator and can even suggest an installation service if you're not super-handy.

Countertop tips
I want to tile my kitchen countertop. Will it be durable?

Tiles work wonderfully for a backsplash, but not as well for a countertop. While you can find durable and stylish tiles, the problem is the grout, which may turn grey over time and trap all sorts of nasty bacteria. Instead, look for a laminate counter at your local home reno store or IKEA – it has well-priced options for the budget renovator and can even suggest an installation service if you're not super-handy.

Countertop tips
I want to tile my kitchen countertop. Will it be durable?

Tiles work wonderfully for a backsplash, but not as well for a countertop. While you can find durable and stylish tiles, the problem is the grout, which may turn grey over time and trap all sorts of nasty bacteria. Instead, look for a laminate counter at your local home reno store or IKEA – it has well-priced options for the budget renovator and can even suggest an installation service if you're not super-handy.

Come back next Monday for another problem solved!

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